Horowitz et al. (2017) indicated that more students with learning disabilities (LDs) are graduating from various K-12 institutions. However, students with LDs continue to fall behind the national average graduation rate compared to students without LDs. Postsecondary institutions have the challenge of retaining students yet struggle to identify those with LDs and the best way to support their invisible needs. Some retention models focus on the transition of students with LD from high school to college, while others focus on the barriers they face in college. Many retention models and research discuss engagement, positive attitude, and self-awareness as some of the critical attributes that contribute to the success of students with LD (Cefai & Cavioni, 2014; Tinto 2007; Willoughby & Evans, 2019). According to Burke's (2019) literature review of student retention models in higher education, Spady's (1970, 1971) undergraduate dropout process model, Tinto's (1975, 1993) institutional departure model, and Bean's (1980, 1982) student attrition model (SAM)--all focusing on different aspects of higher education--they acknowledge that both academic and social spheres influence students' persistence. However, none of the models address social and emotional learning and the impact of emotional intelligence on the retention of students with LD. How an institution of higher education intentionally integrates emotional skills development can provide students with LD tools for college and life. A qualitative revelatory holistic case study provides an in-depth look at students' lived experiences with LD to identify the impact an SEL environment and emotional intelligence has on the retention of these students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]